On heartfulness

Abstract

In what is arguably the widest reaching and most impactful accomplishment of positive psychology to date, Chris Peterson, Martin Seligman, and 55 scientists, embarked on an ambitious, 3-year project to review and research those characteristics that are best within human beings. They discovered 24 character strengths, found universally across cultures, nations, and belief systems, which nested under 6 overarching virtues (Peterson C, Seligman MEP: Character strengths and virtues: A classification and handbook. Oxford University Press/American Psychological Association, New York/Washington, DC, 2004). These character strengths describe what is best in us. They are a common language, a consensual nomenclature. The scientists were always clear that this work is descriptive - describing what is known about these ingredients of flourishing, these pathways to virtues, these elements of the good life, but not prescriptive - prescribing what individuals should do or how they must utilize their strengths. The intention was to build the foundation for this new character science, and in a bit over a decade, hundreds of peer-review publications emerged. The framework, while imperfect, sits on solid ground. While some best practices with character strengths have emerged and practitioners in business, education, coaching, and psychology have been eager to apply these concepts, it's important to consider an overarching frame for the intention and direction of these applications. As I explain here, this framework involves mindfulness and heartfulness.